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I see the Board of Water & Light has raised electric and water rates by 7 percent. Why did it have to be that much? —A.S., Lansing
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The BWL’s governing Board of Commissioners approved the rate increases, which became effective March 1. The board increased the rates after a great deal of deliberation and after a public hearing where several customers offered comments. At the hearing, the BWL staff outlined a number of cost-cutting measures the company has taken, amounting to more than $25 million a year in savings.
There is no quick answer to the “why”, but here are some of the factors involved. The cost of providing electricity, water and steam to our 100,000-plus customers has gone up – while our rate increases have been very low. The BWL increased the electric rate by 1.5 percent in 2005. There was NO increase in 2007. So, the average increase over three years is less than three percent. (Nationally, the average increase in electric rates in 2007 alone was 9 percent).
BWL rates remain among the lowest in Michigan. Our electricity rates are traditionally at least 20 percent below Consumers Energy rates.
While a 7 percent rate increase sounds like a lot, we calculate that a typical customer will see the monthly electric bill increase by $2.50 a month, and the water bill by $1.20 a month.
Finally, we do understand that some customers are struggling to pay their bills. They should call our Customer Service Department, (517) 702-6006. Our representatives will help them set up a payment schedule.
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Do you have a question for
BWL Q CORNER?
E-MAIL: mailto:mdn@lbwl.com
FAX:
(517) 702-6855
MAIL: Lansing Board of
Water & Light
Communications Department
1232 Haco Dr., P.O. Box 13007
Lansing MI 48901. |
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 Adopt A Tree!
You probably know about our
award-winning Adopt A River program.
Every spring and fall, hundreds of volunteers
turn out to clean and beautify the riverfronts
of the Grand and Red Cedar rivers.
This spring, we’re adding something new
to this volunteer clean-up effort.
Adopt A Tree. |
On Saturday, April 26, the BWL and Impression 5 Science Center will have 250 assorted trees ready for “adoption.” The trees are free, and come with a fun “adoption certificate” in hopes of inspiring children and their families to plant a tree for a cleaner, greener community.
Every tree will come with a brochure about the “care and feeding” of your new tree.
Adopt A River runs from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 26. Adopt A Tree adoptions take place in the parking lot of Impression 5, 200 Museum Drive in downtown Lansing.
Breakfast and lunch are provided for volunteers.
So, come on down to the riverfront on April 26, and take home a new member of your “family tree.”
Calling all Chiliheads!
For the first time ever, the Lansing Board of Water & Light will open its BWL Chili Cook-off to the true chili aficionados – sometimes called “chiliheads.”
Traditionally, our chili cook-off has restaurants and organizations competing for top chili awards. This year, we are going to send 13 amateurs to the BWL Chili Cook-off.
Why 13? Because it’s our 13th annual BWL Chili Cook-off, and it will be held on June 13th . That’s Friday the 13th.
Hey, we’re not superstitious – just hungry!
If you have a dynamite chili recipe, bring it to our First Annual Chilihead Tryouts on April 19th at the Lansing Center.
We are limiting the contestants to 50. A panel of judges will decide which lucky 13 will go on to the Main Event on June 13th.
Here are the details:
- There is a $25 entry fee. Proceeds will go to Lansing-area non-profits
- The 13 finalists will NOT have to pay another entry fee for the big cook-off in June.
- Bring an electric crockpot of your chili to the Lansing Center at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19.
- The chili must be in an electric container such as a slow cooker.
- The event lasts until 3 p.m. Electrical outlets, cups, spoons, napkins, will be provided.
- Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best.
- You must confirm your participation by April 4, 2008. Contact Mark Nixon, BWL Communications Director, by calling
(517) 702-6735, or e-mail at mdn@lbwl.com.
- Please include your name, address, phone number and e-mail.
- Finalists chosen to compete in the June 13th BWL Chili Cook-off must agree to provide 40 gallons of chili prepared in a licensed kitchen.
- The BWL will attempt to help contestants find sponsors and licensed kitchens.
- For more information, visit our chili Web site, www.bwlchilicookoff.com.
Got chili? Feel lucky? Bring it on!
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